Lionel Messi presentation live: concert, Inter Miami announcement, The Unveil on Apple TV
Lionel Messi: Inter Miami presentation
Messi unveiled as an Inter Miami player
Here it is, the moment that one of the all-time greats was introduced to the Inter Miami crowd. The 36-year-old is a huge coup for MLS and his arrival could kick-start a whole new era for the US' professional league.
Lionel Messi's marketing potential is almost unmatched in the world of sports and his name alone could help catapult MLS into new territories around the world. But for those in DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday night, Messi's arrival is all about his talents on the pitch.
The seven-time Ballon D'Or winner lands at the worst team in MLS, less than a year after leading his country to a World Cup triumph. So what will Miami do with Messi? What can Messi do with Miami? Football fans around the world will be watching eagerly to find out.
Lionel Messi is presented with his shirt by Inter Miami owners / CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
All smiles as Messi takes the Number 10
After being given a rapturous reception by those in attendance at DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami owners David Beckham, Jose R. Mas and Jorge Mas welcomed their newest player to the club. Messi was handed the iconic Number 10 jersey and is expected to make his Miami debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup next week.
Messi has big plans for his Miami swansong
“I want to thank you for the kindness and love that you have given me. This has happened so fast."
"I’m anxious to train and compete. Our objective is to be here and win. I’m sure we’re going to have a wonderful experience.”
Don't forget about Busquets
Much of the attention tonight, understandably, has been focused on the arrival of Lionel Messi. But the signing of Sergio Busquets should not be overlooked as Tata Martino attempts to overhaul a squad who are currently bottom on the Eastern Conference.
Busquets was the metronomic heartbeat of some of the finest teams of his generation and played a crucial role during Messi's most productive years at Barcelona. Reuniting the two aging greats could allow them both to flourish in new circumstances.
What will Lionel Messi bring to Inter Miami?
New arrival Lionel Messi has a pretty stellar CV, but at the age of 36 how much can he really be expected to contribute in the physically demanding world of MLS?
In short, quite a lot.
USWNT's Alex Morgan, a fellow World Cup winner, outlines a few of the things that make him great.
Messi in Miami
The best number ten ever? The finest Argentinian footballer? The greatest of all time?
One thing's for certain, Lionel Messi is now officially an Inter Miami player.
Inter Miami concert is now underway
Colombian singer, musician and songwriter Camilo is on stage now, entertaining the crowds with some Latin American flavours. The rain is still coming down in Miami but that doesn't seem to have dampened spirits at all.
Messi's arrival can be a game-changer for MLS and US soccer
"This is just taking it to an entirely different level.
"It makes MLS the league of choice, and gives us real momentum going up to the World Cup in 2026."
Next up the family
Lionel Messi's family, his wife and three young boys, are introduced on the stage at DRV PNK Stadium, once again to huge applause from the crowd.
Also joining them on the field are David Beckham's family, including wife Victoria.
There's clearly a desire to ingratiate the new arrivals into Miami and things see to be going well so far.
Lionel Messi presented at Inter Miami!
Here he is! World Cup winner Lionel Messi in on the field at DRV PNK Stadium to receive an Inter Miami shirt with Number 10 on the back.
Fireworks burst, music blares and the crowd cheers. It's hard to believe that he hasn't even touched a ball yet.
Sergio, 5
The new heartbeat of the Inter Miami midfield, Sergio Busquets, meets the crowd at DRV PNK Stadium for the first time.
Busquets is handed the Number 5 jersey, the same number that he wore during the majority of his stellar career with Barcelona and the Spanish national teams.
He addresses the crowd in impressively good English, the Inter Miami faithful give him a warm applause.
First up, Sergio Busquets!
He may only have been announced today, but Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets is already on the field at DRV PNK Stadium.
"Our fans are what make Inter Miami unique. Like all of you I can't wait to see Leo take to the field in our colours."
"Ladies and gentlemen the next chapter of our story starts here. Gracias!"
Ownership group is on field
The lights are down but David Beckham and the rest of the management team at Inter Miami are on the pitch to welcome Lionel Messi to the club.
Beckham takes the lead, reading a Spanish/English speech from his phone.
Messi chant rings around the stadium
As happened in Barcelona, and then in Paris. As has been heard in stadiums across Argentina and wherever he appears around the world, 'Messi, Messi, Messi' rings around the stadium
Beckham takes to the pitch
There are few owners in the world of sport that can match the experience, the name recognition, and the swagger of Inter Miami owner David Beckham. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is here to welcome Messi to Miami...
Messi's presentation will begin soon
The action at DRV PNK Stadium is almost about to get underway. The stadium lights are dimmed, the stands are packed and the noise inside is raucous.
Smoke, lasers and flashing lights as we prepare for the presentation, The Unveil, to begin...
Fans gather for the Messi presentation
Is it too much to say that the arrival of Lionel Messi could be one of the most consequential moments in US sports? Soccer is not yet one of the big sports in the United States but the arrival of Messi, seven-time Ballon D'Or winner and contender for GOAT status, could help bring about that change.
For those in attendance at the DRV PNK Stadium tonight, it will certainly be an evening to remember.
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Lionel Messi's presentation, known as The Unveil, is about to get started after a slight delay due to the inclement weather. The evening's entertainment will begin with some big-name musical performances to warm up the crowd ahead of Messi's arrival.
Here's who might be in store to help welcome Messi to Miami...
Watch: Messi arrives in Miami to cheers
The rain and thunderstorms at DRV PNK Stadium appear to have passed and the poor weather has not dampened the spirits of anyone in attendance this evening. Lionel Messi and his family have just around at the Inter Miami stadium to a rapturous welcome from the local support.
Just imagine the reaction when they seen him pull on the jersey for real.
Messi in the house!
He's here.
World Cup winner Lionel Messi and his family have arrived at the DRV PNK Stadium for his official unveiling as an Inter Miami player. The 36-year-old's arrival will be marked with a ceremony entitled 'The Unveil'. The show could also feature an appearance from Sergio Busquets, Messi's Barcelona teammate, who also signed for the club today.
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Inter Miami may have pulled off one of the greatest transfer coups in the history of football by bringing Lionel Messi, less than a year after leading Argentina to the World Cup, to MLS for the final years of his career. But it's taken more than a handshake from David Beckham to get the deal over the line.
Reports suggest that Messi's deal not only dwarfs every other player in the league, but also the salary of every NFL player.
We have movement in Miami!
After a short weather delay due to a thunderstorm in Miami, the DRV PNK Stadium is now filling up with expectant fans waiting for their first glimpse of Lionel Messi. The start of the presentation was originally scheduled for 8:30pm local time (ET) but that may have to be pushed back slightly due to the storm.
Nevertheless, the stadium is starting to fill up and the atmosphere is growing...
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Inter Miami pulled off a massive coup by tempting Lionel Messi, perhaps the greatest player to ever play the game, to MLS for the final years of his stellar career. The Argentine was enticed by Miami's culture, Argentinian influence and his exiting portfolio of real estate investments, but he also stands to gain financially. Big time.
It is no surprise to hear that Messi will be the biggest earner in MLS, but the 36-year-old's potential earnings are truly gargantuan.
When will Messi's presentation start?
The presentation ceremony for Lionel Messi at Inter Miami was scheduled to start at 8:30pm local time (ET) but it looks like things will be starting a bit later.
Inter Miami have announced a 'Weather Delay' due to a thunderstorm covering the DRV PNK Stadium. The club have not yet offered a revised start time, but there's still dark skies in Miami.
Rooney warns Messi of MLS challenge
"Everything is set for him. He's got all his mates over! [Sergio] Busquets and Jordi Alba have signed for Inter Miami and maybe [Andres] Iniesta will join them. Luis Suarez too. Messi has a coach [Inter Miami manager Tata Martino] he likes and trusts. It's huge, especially with what's going on in Saudi, for the MLS to attract Messi."
"He won't find it easy here. It sounds mad, but players who come in find it's a tough league. The travelling, the different conditions in different cities, and there's a lot of energy and intensity on the pitch."
While we wait out the thunderstorm-induced delay to the action in DRV PNK Stadium, lets have a look at how Inter Miami president David Beckham welcomed Lionel Messi to the club...
'The Beckhams' arrive for Messi presentation
It's not often that David Beckham is not the centre of attention, but for tonight there's only one man in the spotlight. Inter Miami's president has arrived at DRV PNK Stadium to witness the official announcement of Lionel Messi as their new Number 10.
Thunderstorm weather in Miami delays The Unveil
Here's the scene in the DRV PNK Stadium, Miami as thunderstorms and heavy rain postpone the start of Lionel Messi's official unveiling. Inter Miami have warned fans of a 'Weather Delay' but have not yet confirmed the extent of the delay.
Lionel Messi's Miami presentation hit with weather delay
Inter Miami have reportedly been working on the Lionel Messi transfer for years, but after all the suspense it looks like fans will have to wait a few minutes longer.
Messi's unveiling has been hit with a weather delay that will suspend the start in Miami. We'll bring you more information of the delay as soon as we have it.
Lionel Messi has not even stepped foot on a pitch but already he is the centre of the footballing world in Miami. Throughout the day fans of Inter Miami, and huge numbers of Argentinian soccer fans, have been gathering at the stadium for the arrival of the man often called the greatest player of all time.
We're still two hours from The Unveil but supporters are already chanting his name...
“El Messias is the greatest, he came to Miami to change history... ‘Y ya lo ve, y ya lo ve, esta es la hinchada de Lionel,’” they chanted on the south side of the DRV PNK Stadium.
Inter Miami add Sergio Busquets to the squad
Just hours before unveiling Lionel Messi, the biggest star in the history of MLS, Inter Miami casually dropped another signing. World Cup winner Sergio Busquets will be joining former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi in the black, white and pink of Inter Miami.
Busquets spent the last 15 years in the first team at Barcelona, winning all that there is to be won and becoming the beating heart of at least two of the finest teams to ever play the game.
It's Messi x Busi for Miami now...
He may only have landed in Florida earlier this week, but already Lionel Messi has been turning heads in the Sunshine State. In his first few days in Miami the World Cup winner was spotted in staple grocery store Publix, getting familiar to his new surroundings.
Here's what happened when the Messi family did their first 'big shop' in their new home...
David Beckham welcomes Messi to Miami
How many football club owners boast multiple league titles and a Champions League winner's medal to their name? Not many, but Inter Miami president David Beckham is one of them!
The former England captain is at the stadium today and earlier welcomed Lionel Messi to the club.
We will have full coverage, pictures and videos from Lionel Messi's Inter Miami presentation right here, but you can also watch or stream The Unveil live with Apple TV and Season Pass.
If you want to get a glimpse of the 'GOAT', here's what you need to do...
Miami crowds wait for Messi
We're still more than two hours from the expected start time of The Unveil but already expectant Miami fans are crowding the area around the DRV PNK Stadium. Lionel Messi's presentation was officially announced earlier this week but the deal to take the Argentine to Miami has been in the pipeline for years.
There's not long for those fans to wait now...
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you full coverage from Lionel Messi's official presentation as an Inter Miami player.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be guiding you through tonight's events as Messi is introduced in The Unveil from Inter Miami's DRV PNK Stadum.
The 36-year-old forward arrived in Miami earlier this week after months of speculation about his future. The Argentine is expected to make his debut for the club in next week's Leagues Cup fixture, but tonight he will officially announce himself to the Miami faithful.